THOHOYANDOU - Fifteen of the University of Venda for Science and Technology's (Univen) final year students in the Department of Mining and Environmental Geology have left for Germany last Sunday, on a study tour sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The students were led by Prof Jason Ogola, Head of the Department of Mining and Environmental Geology. The trip will end on January 27.

According to the university spokesperson, Mmbangiseni Masia, the trip takes place within the context of collaboration between Univen and academic institutions in Germany. This will lead to the establishment of linkages in student exchange, staff exchange and a collaborative research programme. This trip in particular will also strengthen collaboration between Univen and DAAD.

In Germany, the group will visit amongst others, Technical University of Freiberg which is the oldest mining academic institution in Europe, Technical University of Clausthal, Institute of Mining, Institute of Mineral Resources and Mineral Processing and Dumping, Goettingen University in Goettingen and University of Berlin.

It is hoped that this study tour will strengthen collaborative initiatives with the international institutions and this particular case in Germany.